Genetic ancestry testing
Listen 00:49:01Guests: ANITA FOEMAN, BESSIE LAWTON and ALONDRA NELSON
Genetic ancestry testing has given many people clues to their biological make up – to a specific country, region or tribe. Yet, many scholars argue that DNA ancestry tests are limited because DNA tests can be vague and the quality may vary. Some of the results can call into question how we define ourselves, racially or ethnically? In this hour, Mary talks with ANITA FOEMAN and BESSIE LAWTON, professors at West Chester University who teach a course called Intercultural Communication where students have recently read their genetic tests and talked about the personal, social and emotional meanings. Also joining the conversation, ALONDRA NELSON, Dean of Social Science at Columbia University and author of “The Social Life of DNA” will discuss how we can use the DNA test results to tell rich stories about our lives.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
Philly’s housing market takes center stage during ‘Bridging Blocks’ event
About a dozen residents participated in Thursday’s discussion inside the Walnut Street West Library in University City.
20 hours ago
Atlantic City mayor and wife accused of abusing teen daughter
Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, Superintendent Dr. La’Quetta Small, allegedly “physically and emotionally” abused their daughter over the course of two months last winter.
5 days ago
Oldest living conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, of West Reading, die at 62
The twins were born in Pennsylvania and had distinct brains but were joined at the skull. They appeared over the years in documentaries and talk shows.
5 days ago